Mr Miliband, who last night was in Glasgow for a Labour fund-raising dinner, said he saw things in a 'different way' to Ms Lamont.

He said: 'I have respect for Johann, for her grit and determination, for these are hard jobs and she fought a once-in-a-generation referendum campaign, so I have huge respect for her.

She took over in 2011 when things were really tough and she showed huge distinction in the results of 2012 and the referendum. But I echo what she said on Tuesday, it is time to move on.'

The poll puts Labour support in Scotland at 23 per cent ­ down from 42 per cent in 2010.

Support for Conservatives was at ten per cent, and the Lib Dems and Greens were both at six per cent.

Further analysis of the poll shows the only four Scottish Labour MPs who would hold their seats are Glasgow North East MP Willie Bain, Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill MP Tom Clarke, former prime minister Gordon Brown in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, and Ian Davidson in Glasgow South West.